Probable risk factors in BIM Modeling

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Building information modeling, shortened as BIM, is a technology that is used to make three dimensional building models and also allows engineers to estimate construction timelines and scheduling, cost, required manpower etc. The biggest importance of BIM modeling is that it helps in reducing time and project cost and enables modelers to create accurate building information models and precise building designs.

BIM facilitates practitioners to access a specific page from different systems and they can work simultaneously on the same page. While making a BIM model, we need to be cautious of different types of risk factors that can occur at any time.

Some of the common risk factors we frequently face are:

Communication gap: To make a precise building model, it is always necessary to have excellent communication mechanism between team members i.e. Architects, Modelers, Designers, etc. If a communication gap exists between team members, it is not possible to make the 3D model error free. For example, Architects or Designers create designs of planned buildings by applying required dimensions.

Modelers go through the dimensions and create 3D models based on existing designs. If there is lack of proper communication between modelers and designers, they will be unable to integrate their ideas and hence there will always be a chance of getting errors in models.

Inaccurate design: A building design should always be complied with the clients’ exact requirements and standard local codes. Thereby, before making designs, Engineers or Architects need to discuss with clients to gather project requirement information and they also need to look after the local codes. If any problem occurs in understanding the requirements and codes, the building designs will also be affected due to wrong understanding.

So, the prime objectives of Architects and engineers are to acquire appropriate information on project requirements and local codes, rules and regulations. There should be a convenient communication mechanism between Engineers and Architects otherwise there will be always be a chance of making inappropriate designs for buildings.

Improper coordination: Proper coordination is a must amongst team members as well as stakeholders. If one makes any modification in an existing building design, every authorized member should be aware of the same. Improper coordination among members can create severe hazards during the whole project implementation phase.

BIM cost estimation: 5D BIM modelling allows practitioners to determine the overall project costs along with takeoff quantities. It is not necessary that the estimated project cost will be correct every time. Overall project costs are determined by considering different factors like number of resources and labors, quantum of materials and their prices, etc. Project cost consists of some fixed components as well as some variable components. The cost of variable components such as material costs, labor wages, etc. can vary any time based on the contemporary situation. Therefore, it will be incorrect to say that BIM helps to estimate project cost with 100% accuracy.

Well technological knowhow: To work with BIM, one should have good knowledge of BIM technology and its related software’s such as Revit, Navisworks, etc. With inadequate knowledge, one cannot utilize BIM application properly and also cannot develop perfect building designs.

BIM services have a vast area of usage across the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) industries. If someone is well aware of the possible BIM risk factors and can take necessary advance precautions to minimize these factors during the implementation of BIM in a construction project, it will help in developing hassle free building designs or 3D models.